ASSESSMENT OF LEACHATE POLLUTION INDEX FOR DELHI LANDFILL SITES, INDIA

Abstract

Managing municipal solid waste is a serious environmental problem degrading the air, water and soil. The
increased generation of the solid waste on daily basis is result of increased population as well as economic activities due to
industrialization. In most of the countries the solid waste is not managed scientifically starting from generation point to
the landfill sites. In Delhi, the municipal solid waste generation presently is about 9000 metric tons (MT) per day and it
has been projected that by 2021 it will be around 18000metric tons. The Physico-chemical characterization has been
documented and based on these the Leachate Pollution Index (LPI) have been estimated for three landfill sites in Delhi
i.e. Gazipur, Okhla and Bhalswa. From this analysis it has been estimated that Bhalswa landfill site located in North
Delhi has the highest LPI followed Okhla and Gazipur landfill sites. However, there is no significant difference between
the LPI values for these landfill sites. The application of LPI provides a better insight for the strength of various
pollutants and can be useful to the experts in deciding various leachate treatment and management practices.